Jilted lover stalked teen before pouring acid into her mouth

The 17-year-old victim, who has sustained 10-15 per cent burns, is receiving care at a private hospital near Mira Road

The 22-year-old man, who was arrested by Gorai police for allegedly trying to force his ex-girlfriend to drink acid after she refused to marry him, had been stalking her for the past three months.

Yesterday, cops presented Hitendra Sakpal, a resident of Kajupada area in Dahisar, in court, which remanded him in police custody for four days. Meanwhile, the girl, who has sustained 10-15 per cent burns on her mouth and face, has been shifted from Bhagwati hospital to a private hospital near MiraRoad. Police officers yesterday recorded the statement of the 17-year-old victim’s parents, who said that they had ruled out the couple tying the knot. The girl, who is studying in HSC at a Kandivli-based college, was in a relationship with her neighbour Sakpal -- a hotel management student.

“After her parents refused permission, the girl asked Sakpal to stay away from her and ended their relationship. Despite this, Sakpal stalked my niece and even intercepted her a few times on her way to college. He even grabbed her hand occasionally, asking her to remain friends,” said the girl’s uncle. According to the victim’s family members, they had approached Dahisar police three months ago, as the accused continued to harass the girl. Cops had called Sakpal and asked him to stay away.

“He had apologised then and promised to not bother her. However, a few days later he again approached the girl and asked her to remain friends,” the victim’s uncle added.

What happened On Saturday, the victim finally agreed to meet Sakpal once. He picked her up after she left from college and they went to the Gorai jetty to talk about their relationship. When the victim stuck to her stand, a heated argument ensued. Then Sakpal pulled out a bottle containing acid from his pocket and tried to force it down her throat. However, the victim fought back and container fell to the ground. “We have arrested Sakpal and are trying to find out where he procured the acid from,” said Senior Inspector Deepak Bagwe from Gorai police station.